We need to talk about Challengers (2024)
Luca Guadagnino...The man that you are
this review will discuss spoilers for the movie.
"What do you want? I want to see some good fucking tennis."
You know, I fully expected to dislike Tashi Duncan, yet to my surprise, I found myself genuinely enjoying her character. I do not understand why people are painting her to be “the worst” when in fact she’s not that dislikable of a character. She's depicted as a woman driven by a singular goal – to win – and is willing to go to great lengths to achieve it.
The movie itself was stunning. From the stunning cinematography to the mesmerizing score and exceptional acting, I was captivated. The seamless transitions through time were wholly believable, a testament to the three actors' skills. I was convinced of Tashi, Art, and Patrick's evolution from teenagers to college students and eventually to adults (& parents for Tashi & Art), solely through their performances. (Zendaya really did her big one with this film)
Each character possesses a unique allure, yet they are united by their shared passion for tennis. For Tashi, tennis is her raison d'être. Winning is everything to her - although she chooses to navigate this in a very calculated way -, whether as a teenager, post-injury, or as Art's wife and coach. Her dedication to the sport is palpable, and she strives to instil the same reverence for tennis in those around her.
Patrick, on the other hand, is driven by selfish motives. While he possesses a fervent love for tennis and confidence in his abilities, his stubbornness often leads him astray. He refuses to utilize available resources, opting instead to pursue his goals independently, even if it means sleeping in his car. His reluctance to ask for help reflects his pride, making his request for Tashi to coach him all the more significant.
In contrast, Art shows himself to be someone capable of genuine passion for tennis and winning when properly motivated. Whether it's competing with Patrick for Tashi's phone number, or later manipulating their relationship to his advantage, he shows a willingness to embrace his competitive nature when properly pushed. The lack of this competitiveness in his adult life proves to be the main reason for his stagnating career. It's only when he turns his focus inwards, playing for himself rather than seeking Tashi's approval, that he really shines.
The dynamic between the three characters evolves over time. Initially, Patrick is drawn to Tashi as a person, while Art is captivated by her talent. However, as their college days progress, their feelings become more complex and intertwined. Their ultimate desire in their respective relationships is to be on equal footing, a sentiment articulated by Patrick when he tells Art that he wishes for them to be peers. This longing is fulfilled in the final scene, where Art's collapse into Patrick's arms eels way more intimate, while Tashi's triumphant scream mirrors the one she let out when she won when they were teenagers.
Finally, they share the same passion for the sport they love.
★★★★★